“The Relais & Châteux imprimatur is the best acknowledgment of the beauty of our location, the comfort of our facilities, our singular menu, and the extraordinary hospitality of our team,” said Karin Zurcher, Owner of El Silencio Lodge & Spa. “This development affirms our signature commitment to personalized details, cultural authenticity, and a planet-friendly, people-positive model. Placing Costa Rica and Central America in the top rungs of excellence signals the region’s growth as a premium travel destination, appreciated not only for its natural riches but for its culinary offerings.”

Flanked by two national parks in Costa Rica’s Bajos del Toro district, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is raising the bar on the country’s authentic cuisine by updating traditional dishes and cooking techniques. Its Las Ventanas Restaurant relies on fresh local ingredients –many sourced in situ. Guests can actively participate in the culinary experience by fishing for trout, picking vegetables, collecting free-range eggs, or venturing out to a community market before enjoying fun interactive cooking sessions with the Chef.

Wanderlust & Bake -A journal of travel and good food!

December 2013

"The lodge is positioned on 500 acres of private land and is made up of just 16 suites. Each suite, a private cabin staggered up the mountain overlooking uninterrupted views of the vast scenery of the cloud forest. Vast king size beds are lined with soft white sheets where a hot water bottle is tucked each night before you arrive to your room. Floor to ceiling glass doors overlook the private viewing deck and secluded n’ steamy hot tub."

Living Large in Costa Rica -CNN

"Not so long ago, Costa Rica was a backpacker's game. Other than a few business-class hotels in the capital of San José and a handful of isolated luxury properties scattered about the scenic hinterlands, travelers could expect little in the way of genuine comfort while exploring one of the most beautiful and eco-conscious countries on the planet.Over the past decade, however, Costa Rica's fastest-growing crop has been a collection of opulent hotels and resort communities, complemented by marinas, golf courses, gourmet restaurants, hot springs and other world-class facilities."